Nigeria army base attack leaves 17 soldiers killed in ambush
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At least 17 Nigerian soldiers were killed in coordinated attacks on army bases in Niger and Kaduna states.
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Nigeria army patrols along the Kaduna Birnin Gwari area in Nigeria, Friday, March 8, 2024 (AP)
At least 17 Nigerian soldiers were killed in northern Nigeria after gunmen launched coordinated assaults on three army bases, Reuters reported, citing security sources and a local official.
The Nigerian Army confirmed the attacks occurred on Tuesday but did not provide specific casualty figures.
"Sadly, some gallant warriors paid the supreme price in the day-long battles while four troops wounded in action are currently receiving treatment for their gunshot wounds," the army said in a statement.
Two security sources reported that the gunmen carried out surprise attacks on army forward operating bases in Kwanar Dutse Mariga and Boka in Niger State, as well as another base in neighboring Kaduna State. Fighting reportedly lasted for several hours.
Military confirms casualties, launches counteroffensive
Abbas Kasuwar Garba, chairman of Mariga district, confirmed that all 17 fatalities occurred at the Kwanar Dutse Mariga base. "It was an ambush. They (gunmen) came from nowhere and used heavy ammunition to attack," said a Niger-based army officer.
The Nigerian Army stated that it conducted counterattacks, resulting in the killing of several gunmen.
Insecurity escalates amid armed gang and militant activity
Armed gangs, commonly referred to locally as bandits, frequently carry out kidnappings for ransom and target security forces in Nigeria's northwest.
In addition to combating these gangs, the Nigerian military is also engaged in fighting Boko Haram and an Islamic State affiliate in the northeast.
Niger State has seen a growing number of ambushes targeting military personnel, with Boko Haram militants known to operate in the region.
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